Collection: Mata ni Pachhedi Paintings

Mata ni Pachedi, literally translated as "behind the mother goddess," refers to a cloth-based temple of the goddess. The nomadic Vaghari community of Gujarat faced exclusions from temples and thus created their own shrines with depictions of the Mother Goddess on cloth. This resourceful solution is considered the source of the sacred art, Mata ni Pachedi, which is now esteemed by all.

Traditionally, it was used as a canopy and backdrop in temporary wooden shrines. Its creation process involves multiple steps of mordant dyeing, drying, block printing, and hand painting that result in a fabric rich in depictions of goddesses, mythology, and epics.

The original colors were maroon and black with the surface of the material being the third color. These colors were natural dyes obtained from alizarin and oxidized metal. Maroon symbolizes Mother Earth or Gaea and its healing properties while black repels negative forces and amplifies spiritual energy. Eventually, other natural colors were included in the palette regardless of their religious significance.

Prosperity’s Mata ni Pacchedi collection is genuine and made by traditional artisans of the Chitara community, specifically Kirit Chitara.